A MAN who claimed he suffered a brain injury after he was mistakenly given an overdose of a morphine-type drug in hospital has settled his High Court action for damages.

Builder Denis Myers (67) was given "a massive overdose" of the painkilling drug in error by a nurse who thought she was cleaning out a tube inserted into Mr Myers, the court heard.

He was recovering from major cancer surgery at St James's in Dublin at the time.

Mr Myers received what should have been a lethal overdose of the drug but survived.

Mr Myers of Conigar, Askeaton, Co Limerick, has sued St James's for alleged negligence as a result of the overdose on March 18, 2010. He claimed he now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and has frequent distressing recollections.

The hospital admitted to the incident – but disputed that the overdose caused the injuries claimed. Yesterday, following talks, Mr Justice Daniel Herbert was told the case had come to an end and could be struck out.